A 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Bogo City and nearby towns on Sept. 30 has sparked criticism of the Cebu provincial government’s relief efforts, with a local lawmaker on Monday calling the response slow and uncoordinated.
Provincial Board Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III, a Bogo native and president of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC), told a provincial board session he faced pressure from residents for updates that he said were not clearly communicated by the province.
“I am a member of this institution, and when I face my constituents, I have no answers to give,” he said, responding to claims that provincial aid had been sent directly to communities. “I had to ask my fellow barangay officials if you had received such aid. I can show you the actual records of what Bogo received.”
Martinez also urged online critics to refrain from targeting volunteers, barangay officials and municipal staff, many of whom were also affected by the quake. “We share the same frustration and helplessness … but we are doing everything humanly possible to secure more assistance and deliver it swiftly,” he said.
He said tighter coordination was needed to avoid duplication and to reach areas still waiting for supplies. Martinez noted the recent elevation of the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office into a full department, a measure he authored, saying the move had proved critical.
Bogo City Mayor Mayel Martinez, his sister, described provincial operations as “chaotic” and “disorganized,” citing traffic and logistics bottlenecks that slowed deliveries to some barangays. She said lessons from past typhoons and the COVID-19 pandemic had not prevented fresh challenges after the quake.
Hours before the session, Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the province remained committed to supporting local governments. She called for collaboration and direct feedback from residents to improve relief operations and overall response.
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